Bhubaneswar, Feb. 15 -- Devotees thronged Shaiva shrines across Odisha on Sunday as the state observes the sacred festival of Maha Shivratri. Elaborate arrangements have been put in place to ensure smooth conduct of rituals and crowd management at major temples.

From Lingaraj Temple in Bhubaneswar to Puri Lokanath, and from Dhabaleswar in Cuttack district to Kapilas, preparations were completed for the raising of the 'Mahadeepa', a key ritual associated with the festival. The movement of devotees began early in the morning at several temples.

At the shrine of Lord Lingaraj, the 'Mahadeepa' is scheduled to be raised at 10 pm tonight. In view of the possibility of lakhs of devotees gathering, the Police Commissioner reviewed the security ...